Capital Judicial Center

The most prominent new state building in decades, the 120,000-sf 4-story Capital Judicial Center sits on a dramatic sloping site above the City of Augusta, within sight of the statehouse dome. Planned as a consolidated court, the building combines district and superior courts with the Administrative Office of the Courts and other court functions. It is connected to the historic Kennebec County Court by a 3^rd-story bridge, which provides secure access to the ceremonial courtroom, which will continue to be used for ceremonial occasions.

The design combines traditional durable courthouse materials with a concern for the dignity and privacy of the public. The orientation of the building on the site opens to the south, providing natural light in all public spaces and a variety of waiting and conference spaces. The same elegance pervades office and work areas, which take advantage of beautiful views north, south, and east to the Kennebec River.  The design observes ideal courthouse planning principles, with separate, secure circulation for staff, detainees, and the judiciary. Several Percent for Art works, including a mural by Christopher Cart, depict the Kennebec River and its history.

The sloping nature of the urban brownfield site made it possible to tuck a story of staff parking and secure detainee transport under the building. Active and passive security measures are woven unobtrusively into the design of the courthouse and plaza.

High efficiency zone heating and cooling is provided by chilled beams and radiant floor heating. Other high-efficiency features include water-saving fixtures; a white, reflective roof; highly efficient windows; LED lighting; CO2 sensors to direct the delivery of fresh air; insulation with high recycled content; and a high-performance envelope. The building is in the process of LEED certification, targeting LEED Gold.